We keep on nudging forward in this little letter of the Apostle John to his local church communities. As we do, we also welcome 14 people into membership in our church. Praise the Lord for new people!
John is doing all he can to give us confidence to trust that in all circumstances the Spirit is at work transforming us into the likeness of the Son whom we will one day finally see as he is and truly know ourselves as he knows and loves us.
Today John calls back a wonderful Old Testament account of the prophet Elisha to encourage to trust that whatever happens around us that threatens or weakens our faith, ‘He who is for us is greater than the one who is against us.
John leads us back to faith which says that whatever suffering comes our way, whatever false teaching we may hear or even be attracted to, our weak faith or lack of love is no match for God’s truth and greater love. We can bank on God when it feels like we are surrounded!
One of the skills John passes on today is that of discerning false teaching. There is plenty of it surrounding us and it can be quite hard to pick. John helps us today to listen long and well to get to the truth of what people teach us about ourselves, God and the world and its future.
New or long settled, young or older, may you be drawn to the truth of Jesus today so you can trust that he is ore then anything or anyone that assails you or even your own lack of faith, love and good attitude.